The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has today joined calls on behalf of her constituents for strong legislative targets to reduce air pollution in the upcoming Environment Bill, expected to be introduced to Parliament this summer.

Commenting, the MP for Eastleigh and Youth Minister Mims Davies said:

“For the sake of our children we must act – air pollution is the top environmental risk to human health in the UK, and our children are particularly vulnerable.

“During school visits one of the key issues that students raise with me is their concern over the air that they breathe, while, having met with members of the Hedge End Breathe Easy Group and had this issue raised with me by people across our area, I know that this is a matter that greatly concerns people of all ages.

“That is why I welcome that in January the Government outlined its Clean Air Strategy – a key step towards tackling air pollution. The next stage of this will be introducing clear targets in the Environment Bill to drastically reduce these pollutants and their association health effects. I look forward to seeing this important Bill introduced to Parliament soon.”

Air pollution is significantly more dangerous for children who are still developing their lungs and are nearer in height to vehicle exhaust pipes where many particulates originate and is estimated to cost society £1.7 billion every year to 2020, which will rise to £5.3 billion through to 2030. This includes the cost of treating related illnesses.

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies recently joined the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP at an event hosted by the Conservative Environment Network (CEN) to discuss air pollution and the Clean Air Strategy.

Sam Richards, Direct of CEN said:

“The evidence of the impact of poor air quality on human health mounts by the day, and the costs of the additional healthcare required are then passed on to taxpayers. It’s absolutely right that the Government should being in targets to clean up our dirty air, and that the emitters of these deadly toxins shoulder the costs of the pollution that they produce.”